The whimsical charm of Labubu, a creation by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, has transcended borders, igniting a cultural and commercial phenomenon from Bangkok to Berlin. Retailers report sold-out collections as fans queue for hours to secure limited-edition figures, while collaborations with luxury brands have propelled the character into high-fashion circles.
Analysts attribute Labubu's success to its blend of art-inspired design and Pop Mart's 'blind box' sales strategy, which has driven a 68% year-on-year surge in overseas revenue. 'This isn't just about toys,' says Singapore-based retail expert Dr. Mei Tan. 'It's a cross-cultural movement bridging Asian creativity with global consumer trends.'
The frenzy has sparked secondary markets where rare figures trade at 20x retail prices, drawing attention from investors tracking the $42 billion global collectibles industry. Meanwhile, Asian diaspora communities celebrate the character as a touchstone of contemporary cultural identity, organizing swap meets from London's Camden Market to California's Anime Expo.
As Pop Mart expands its European flagship stores, industry watchers note the trend reflects growing international appetite for Chinese-designed IP – with Labubu-themed cafes now planned for Dubai and Paris.
